Show Synopsis:
King Xerxes and his brother Arsamene are both love with Romilda, who loves Arsamene, as does her sister Atalanta. Xerxes Amastre disguises herself a man to observe Xerxes?s behavior. Xerxes banishes Arsamene, who sends a note to Romilda via his servant Elviro, who gives it to Atalanta. Atalanta lies to Elviro and says that Romilda has decided to marry Xerxes. Xerxes keeps pursuing Romilda, Arsamene and Romilda fight, and Atalanta explains her deception to them. Romilda tells Xerxes she cannot marry until her father approves her groom, but when Xerxes speaks with her father Ariodate, he misunderstands and believes that Romilda is betrothed to Arsamene. Xerxes discovers that Arsamene is in love with Romilda and vows to kill him until Romilda agrees to marry him to save Arsamene. Arsamena and Romilda go back to Ariodate?s house, where he is set to marry them, so they perform the wedding. Xerxes arrives and in his anger is goaded by Armastre (who is still in disguise) to declare his desire to kill the one who was loved but chased another. Amastre reveals herself to Xerxes, who is ashamed of his behavior and proposes to her again.	

Character:
Xerxes I of Persia, a selfish and powerful king.

Song Context:
King Xerxes sings to a beautiful tree.	

Fun Facts:
1. This opera was originally based on Nicolo Minato's libretto. This area included traces of settings by Francesco Cavalli and Giovanni Bonincini. 
2. This aria appears in many films, including Farinelli, Dangerous Liaisons, and Pride and Prejudice.